When you decide to sell your home or investment property, it’s natural to want it to fetch the highest sale price possible, but it’s also important to be realistic when setting your price or you risk scaring the buyers away.

Here are some pointers to help improve your chances of selling above market value, whilst not overpricing your property. And remember, when you do decide to move on and buy your next property, we can help you find the right home loan to meet your current and future financial needs.

1) Find a reputable real estate agent

Selecting the right real estate agent is an important part of achieving a desirable sale price, as they provide the necessary advice throughout the sales process to help you reach your goals. You’ll also need someone you can count on to attract the right buyers and secure a sale price that’s on the higher end of the spectrum.

The easiest way to narrow down your search for the right real estate agent is to pose as a buyer yourself. Put the agent’s knowledge and people skills to the test, and research how they are performing in the local area. Their knowledge of the local property market is key. To get the maximum price, they need to have a very sharp understanding of where the local home values are headed and have the skills to persuade prospective buyers that your property is still a bargain, even though you are asking maximum price. The right candidate should be a good communicator, efficient and adaptable.

2) Clean, de-clutter and repair

Prior to selling, it’s imperative to go through your property with a fine-tooth comb. Clean meticulously, de-clutter ruthlessly and repair anything that needs fixing. Buyers will be more likely to pay your price if they know it will be years before they have to spend any more money on maintenance. This is particularly true of property investors – who also don’t want the hassle. Ensuring the property is looking its absolute best will make the next step easier.

3) Style to sell

The goal is to make the buyer fall in love and for your property to be so irresistible, they simply have to accept the price tag. The more attractive a home looks, the more likely a buyer will pay top dollar for it. The key is to showcase your property’s strong points and to make it ‘pop’ in the eyes of prospective buyers.

When it comes to décor, tastes vary widely, so it’s a good idea to stick to neutral or popular choices. Knowing your buyer profile will help you style the property appropriately, but if in doubt, hire a professional stylist. Subtle touches can help drive up the final price.

4) Invest in marketing

Your marketing efforts can make all the difference to your sale price. The more people interested in the property, the higher the competition and the more likely the property will sell above market value.

The quality of the photography is essential to getting a higher price. If you use a professional stylist to set up the property, they often have their own professional photographer. If your real estate agent is taking care of the photos, check the quality of the photography they’ve used with past clients. If they take unacceptable photos of your property, then insist on doing another photoshoot with a better photographer, until you reach a better result. Lastly, use enticing copy to hook buyers and advertise through several avenues to increase your property’s exposure. A good real estate agent will help you with all this!

5) Choose your timing wisely

Timing is everything and choosing when to sell, based on the property market in general, the wider economy, and even the season, is important. It’s all about supply and demand, and if you want to sell your home above market value, you need to wait until the supply is low but the demand is high locally for properties similar to yours. Keep an eye out for your competitors and avoid putting your house on the market at the same time as others in your suburb offering the same features. Your home will get a greater price if it seen as a rare commodity.

Along with timing, deciding whether to do a private sale or an auction can impact what price you fetch. Your real estate agent will be able to provide insights about which sales technique would suit your property and location best, and recommend a starting price that will lure the right buyers.

In order to sell your home or investment property above market value, your property must be beautifully presented and effectively marketed. When you are ready to move on from your current home, we can help you find the right home loan product for your next property. As your mortgage and finance broker, we will guide you through the transition period, and locate a home loan that’s right up your street. Happy selling and good luck!